What amendment ended poll taxes in federal elections?

Study for the FCLE Court Cases and Amendments Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your test!

The Twenty-fourth Amendment is the constitutional change that abolished poll taxes in federal elections. Ratified in 1964, this amendment aimed to eliminate a financial barrier that disproportionately affected low-income individuals, particularly African Americans and other marginalized groups, thereby enhancing their ability to participate in the democratic process. By prohibiting the imposition of poll taxes, the amendment reinforced the principle that voting should not be contingent upon one's economic status, thus promoting greater electoral accessibility and fairness.

The other amendments mentioned serve different purposes. The Nineteenth Amendment granted women the right to vote, reflecting the struggle for gender equality in voting rights. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, marking a significant milestone in American civil rights, but it did not address voting practices directly. The Twenty-second Amendment limited the number of terms a president can serve, which again pertains to the electoral process but does not relate to the issue of poll taxes. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the specific role the Twenty-fourth Amendment plays in the broader context of voting rights and electoral reform in the United States.

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